Signs of the (travel) times: SDOT’s putting up 3 in West Seattle

Marisa e-mailed this morning to ask about that new sign over the downhill lanes of bridge-bound Admiral Way. It’s one of three SDOT “Dynamic Messaging Signs” that should all be complete by midweek along major West Seattle paths to The Bridge; the work was mentioned in the list of traffic alerts we wrote about last Thursday, with work on Admiral as the week ended, plus two more:

That’s the not-yet-finished sign on Fauntleroy Way, just east of SW Alaska. And another one is slated for 35th SW at SW Snoqualmie (by the golf course and Merrill Gardens [WSB sponsor]). We can’t find one good overview of the program online anywhere, but docs like this give you a hint. SDOT is expanding use of these signs in time for the major construction work to come on the Highway 99/Viaduct corridor, so that you will theoretically get enough warning of trouble, from crashes to travel times, to make an informed decision on high bridge vs. low bridge, etc. (We can’t help but wonder if there will be a programming option such as “JUST TURN AROUND AND GO HOME” or “GO TAKE THE WATER TAXI” …)

MargL March 13, 2010 (3:23 pm)

Is the one on 35th gonna replace the flashing “Viaduct is closed” sign that doesn’t work correctly most of the time…?

Aim March 13, 2010 (3:25 pm)

What’s Delridge, chopped liver?

WSB March 13, 2010 (4:21 pm)

I don’t think these are the only ones. They’re just the three slated for install last week/this week. Will see if I can find the documentation – I tried REALLY hard to find an overview doc (of course it’s a weekend so the normally very helpful media liaisons at SDOT are off) but so far no luck … TR

pigeonmom March 13, 2010 (4:02 pm)

Good point, Aim.

Smitty March 13, 2010 (4:05 pm)

I still think we should be allowed to change lanes AFTER the top of the bridge heading eastbound AFTER we can see the best route downtown – 1st avenue, viaduct or I-5. As it stands now you basically roll the dice and hope you picked correctly(or take a chance on getting a ticket).

chas redmond March 13, 2010 (4:56 pm)

“docs like this” link returns error

WSB March 13, 2010 (4:58 pm)

thanks, fixed.

DaveB March 13, 2010 (5:59 pm)

Will they work like the one in “LA Story”?

WSB March 13, 2010 (6:04 pm)

I almost worked in a reference to that, as a fan of that ’80s movie. But I figured the “turn around and go home” suggestion might be evocative enough …

d March 13, 2010 (6:32 pm)

lol WSB – I guffawed.

Might be the right time for folks to buy a nice tandem kayak too, I’m thinking. Just an option people. :)

I did read something about the digital system, but it was on the Rapid Ride site I think. If I recall correctly, it was the innovative, cutting-edge technology by which RR buses would be sailing through traffic. How? No idea.

what a farce.
And, Aim – not EVEN chopped liva’.

WSB March 13, 2010 (6:39 pm)

Other parts of the system include sensors in the road and other means of detecting traffic-flow time between Point A and Point B – including added cameras and traffic-signal control of some type. The broader initiative is called “Intelligent Transportation Systems” and it’s being deployed in a variety of cities in a variety of ways, according to some of what I came up with – from other cities – while trying to find a Seattle overview.

d March 13, 2010 (6:47 pm)

Oh, ok. I’m confusing it with the Intelligent Transportation Systems, I’m certain.

Thanks for being you and straightening me out. :).

CB March 13, 2010 (9:54 pm)

I’d rather the signs alerted me how long the line was at Starbuck’s.

poppi March 14, 2010 (6:23 am)

In a nutshell Aim, yes Delridge HAS been chopped liver for a looooooooooooooong time!

DRW March 14, 2010 (9:26 am)

What a waste. Id rather have potholes filled in for the money.

Aim March 14, 2010 (11:33 am)

Re Delridge. Yes, the road is crappy and totally ignored by the SDOT. However, it’s also the access to the bridge for tens of thousands of people in the eastern and southern parts of WS. So, 50% or so of the WS population is completely ignored by the SDOT because we don’t live in Admiral? Awesome.

BusinessOwner March 15, 2010 (2:28 pm)

DRW – Tell me about it! They don’t have the means to pay 8 people a weekly wage to fill a pot-hole that should only take 2 personal and 4 hours! I wonder how much the Intelligent Traffic System cost us??

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